Brain Drain and Catch Up.

So, in nearly four weeks, this is the first Saturday I've actually been in my apartment.

It's pouring out and quite miserable, and also most likely acid rain by the time the smog gets through it, so no better time to catch up on Facebook, e-mails, and blogging.

The first weekend I was here, but adjusting to surroundings.

The second weekend I was in Argentina.

The third weekend I was El Quisco, spending three days reading Robertson Davies novels on the Beach, and two nights drinking and eating with my classmates, Carlos, and his endless parade of friends and cousins. One of the better parties of my year took place on a walled in patio and beach house, with excellent speakers, a continuous BBQ, and plenty of alcohol. There was a rap off, a bongo drum and Peruvian sound box jam session, and shouted conversations made up of drunken Spanglish, emphatic gesturing, and that great universal language, profanity. It was glorious, and I'm sure there are bits I'm not even remembering.

Ok, so, that was last weekend. This week was mostly recovery. There was some slack lining in the park (I can ALMOST make it all the way across. AARRGGH), and I found the best sushi in the world right around the corner from my apartment. There are some definite benefits to being in the business district. Sushi abounds.

Yesterday, we visited Val Paraiso, which I've decided is the equivalent to Victoria in Canada. A beautiful, expensive, historic coastal town between waves and mountains, most uphill from the water. We visited the museum which was once the home of Pablo Neruda, and we had lunch at the yacht club.

Last night turned into yet another unexpected party, as most of the inhabitants of three apartments ended up in room 82 with Cerveza y vino. After a few hours, our Chilean friends arrived... With Sushi! One of Carlos' omni-present cousins had apparently been making sushi, and had sent over two trays, both loaded with sushi rolls and containers of soy sauce. Night made! Apparently, there will be more of that tonight!

So, that brings me back to this horrible, dark Saturday, that began with omelettes and turned into a catch-up on everything from e-mails to postcards. I have been lurking in pyjamas, eating oreos, and drinking vanilla nescafe.

AHAHA!

Stream of consiousness for the win!

So, Nestle seriously OWNS south America. Every building, every concert, every event- sponsored by Nestle. Our university library? Sponsored by Nestle. On every table in every restaurant and every coffee aisle in every grocery store? Bloody nescafe!  It's insane! I awoke the other day actually craving it, which is only further proof of the insidious nature of Nestle products. I suspect crack.

I imagine tonight will be another late night. These Chileans don't get started until after 1:00am as far as parties and bars are concerned.  The upcoming week is our last of School!

It's shocking how quickly the time has flown. I need to get my postcards out for sure.

Ok, that is all my lazy stream of consciousness is allowing now.

Cheers!

The Shan